A free exhibition is set to include pieces of history from the people of Oldham and highlight heroes from the borough in a celebration of a milestone anniversary.
Running from June 15 to January 11 at Gallery Oldham, the One Seven Five exhibition will showcase the successes, stories and changes of Oldham through its many years.
Residents have kindly lent Gallery Oldham some interesting objects and they cover a wide and varied range of subjects.
Peggy came from Barbados in 1958 to train as a nurse and has loaned the exhibition her suitcase that accompanied her on a ship across the Atlantic.
Matt, from the Oldham Athletic Supporters Foundation, has loaned his precious flag that he took with him as a boy to Wembley for the Littlewoods Cup Final in 1990.
Matt said: “This flag holds a lot of memories for me. I remember the pride I felt waving it on the streets of Oldham and on the terrace in the old Wembley stadium - our town, our team was the focus of the nation - it was brilliant. I always loved the design work too it was and still is extremely cool!”
Also featured in the exhibition will be pioneers from Oldham, such as hand glider Len Gabriels, Olympic hero Henry Taylor and Dame Sarah Lees, one of the country’s first female mayors.
A section focused on the work of social reformer, Mary Higgs will also be included, where visitors can learn the legacy of her Beautiful Oldham Society and even make their own Beautiful Oldham pledge, just as members did 100 years ago.
Last but by no means least, an item from the heyday of Indie legends Inspiral Carpets will be just one of the many pieces on show marking the town’s musical roots and it’s contribution to the arts and culture.
The Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, said: “Oldham has a proud and glorious past and I’m delighted we are holding this exhibition to mark the 175th anniversary.
“What makes our town great is its people- I’d like to thank those who have got involved and loaned us items that are close to their hearts.
“They’ve helped us pull together a display that showcases items from everyday life through to pieces that have put Oldham on the map nationally and internationally. It’s only right these stories and successes get the recognition they deserve.”
Throughout the exhibition’s run there will be hands-on activities for younger visitors and a programme of talks and tours:
Wednesday, June 19, 2pm - Take a close-up look at a selection of the objects and stories in the exhibition, with some of the people who choose them.
Saturday, June 22 - Audio-described exhibition talk, 11am BSL signed talk, 2pm Beautiful Oldham Society and Northern Roots.
Wednesday, July 17, 2pm - Explore the history of the Beautiful Oldham Society and Northern Roots.
Wednesday, September 11, 2pm - To celebrate Oldham Histories Festival, take a step into Oldham’s past and discover how power was brought to Oldham in Networks of Power.
All talks are free and booking is not required.
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